The Golf Doctor

Who is The Golf Doctor?

​

My name is Dave Skitek, and I offer custom-fit and custom-built golf clubs, club repair services, and golf instruction. 

 

I'm one of the few nationally certified clubmakers/repairers in the Kansas City area, am nationally certificated in golf swing instruction, and have over 20 years experience with golf equipment. This combination of qualities allows me to offer comprehensive club fitting, building, and repairs to my clients.

​

In addition, I am a "doctor". I have a Ph.D. in a major engineering discipline. With a deep understanding of the impact of physics principles on the forgiveness and maneuverability of heads, I’m able to advise my clients on the best head design for their needs.

​

Why use custom-fit and custom-built golf equipment?

​

Virtually every person who plays golf professionally uses golf equipment that was custom-fit to (and probably custom-built for) them. Like the pros, you can't attain your best level of play without equipment that is appropriate for your abilities and swing mechanics.

 

Playing a game of golf is composed of essentially two things: your golf equipment and your set of swing mechanics. Of course there are lesser areas encompassing neither equipment nor swing mechanics. In my opinion, if your strokes per round are 100+ you should focus mostly on improving swing mechanics and to a lesser degree on equipment. Conversely, if your strokes per round are around Par or lower, you should focus mostly on the fitting (tweaking) of your equipment and to a lesser degree on swing mechanics. Most players fall in the middle of this range.

 

Practical (common sense), custom-fit & built clubs must start with determining specifications of the individual component designs needed - the head, shaft, and grip. A purchased off-the-shelf set of irons can sometimes be, after-the-fact, adjusted to be "fit" better to the player. Sometimes a change in shaft is needed, which is costly. 

​

Why make any specification change(s) in your golf clubs if it doesn't lead to a noticeable change in your golf game? Let's not split hairs to achieve a "perfect" set of specifications. Instead, let's use common sense custom clubfitting.

​

Why use a certified clubmaker?

​

Would you pay someone without a law degree to advise you on legal matters? Would you place your less-than-simple income tax preparation in the hands of an accountant who wasn't a certified public accountant (granted there are exceptions)? The same logic holds true for custom-fit golf clubs. A club maker who has national certifications possesses skills that meet or exceed professional standards, ensuring that you're working with one of the best in the business for custom-fit and custom-built golf clubs. Again, there are exceptions.

​

Why take lessons from a certified swing instructor?

 

Even with great equipment, most players are still not happy with their golf game. No matter how many books you read, TV programs or videos you watch, it often takes a certified swing instructor to identify and correct (as much as possible) swing faults to hone your golf game. With the discussion above, you can see that both custom-fit equipment and maximizing your set of swing mechanics are needed to have a more satisfying golf game. No matter how implied, a new set of golf equipment may not be a cure for poor play if the player's swing mechanics are poor.